EXPERIMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF CROTALARIA JUNCEA SEED OIL–DIESEL BLENDS AS AN ALTERNATIVE FUEL FOR A FOUR-STROKE CI ENGINE

Abstract

Oil extraction from crushed seeds of Crotalaria juncea (Sunn Hemp)is done by standard solvent extraction method by usinga modified Soxhlet apparatus. Optimization studies such as size fractions of the crushed seeds, extraction time, aging of seeds, and choice of solvents and use of co-solvents are doneto improve the yield of bio oil. Further tests likeelemental analysis, moisture content, residual carbon and dynamic viscosity are investigated. Some of the basic fuel properties such as specific gravity, iodine number,saponification value, calorific value, flash point, fire point and kinematic viscosity are characterized for fuel quality. It was found that the energy content of the Sunn Hemp oil (34.128 MJ/kg), is slightly lower than that of gasoline (47 MJ/kg) and diesel fuel (44.8 MJ/kg). However the scope of bio oil as a fuel for a diesel engine was studied.